Laughing through the changes and accepting what life has for me after retirement. My elevator might be going down, but I plan to get off on every floor, even if it's just for plumbing supplies.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

It Has Been Awhile

I never really went away, I was just resting and am doing OK.Things happen in life that makes you pause, so I did. Spring came, the rains fell, the flowers bloomed, the pollen spread, we all sneezed, and the world went on. I will not talk of the bad, but will look ahead for hope and joy even if it sometimes eludes me for awhile. I know it is there, it will just take more effort.Most of my gardens are completed, although, I will fiddle with them and continue to move and replace plants until the first autumn leaf falls. This year, for the first time, I had to ask and pay for help. I realized that I could not shovel the eight yards of mulch by myself anymore. It was hard to make that decision as I pride myself on being self-sufficient and able to "do it all". However, being found slumped over a large mound of shredded wood is such an undignified way to go. I still helped spread the mulch over the gardens and I had pride (and my breath) doing that. I also learned the lesson of acceptance. My children and grandchildren took me to Longwood Gardens for Mother's Day. What a wonderful day that was. We walked and walked and saw such glorious sights.

Earlier in the day

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Later on

In a few weeks my California family will be visiting us so they can see what rain looks like. With the terrible drought in the west, coming east to our lush, green Pennsylvania seems like the best choice for them and for us also. I am hoping, though, that the sun will shine and there will be cool breezes and starry nights for us all to appreciate. However, no matter what the weather brings, I know I will get my joy back when my daughter and her family arrive.

Thank you to those who inquired about me when I was absent from Blogland. Your concern touched my heart.﻿

What a lovely header picture; I'll guess it was from your trip through the Gardens. Even if it doesn't rain when your California crew arrives, green leaves and grass will be a comfort. And, thank you for not spreading topsoil or mulch. We have risen to supervisory status, you know, with the prerogative of switching out the details.

Is that a Tilley hat on the handsome fellow with you? I've had mine for 20 years and clean it by wearing it into the shower. It's in perfect shape. Very stylish and durable. I approve of the company you keep.

How nice to hear from you again Arleen. Although the link didn't work for me I am pleased to say that I have been to Longwood Garden (if you mean the one at Kennet Square, PA) and my wife and I loved it there.Keep spreading that muck! CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

Yes, Bazza, it is the same one. I do not live too far from Longwood, and try to go at least once a year. It is lovely in the spring, summer, and fall months, but it is even more magnificent during the Christmas holidays.

Welcome back! I'm with you on the adjustment stage...there really isn't one; it's all just life with twists and turns. I think my mission at this point is just to enjoy the fruits of my labors. Some days I get nothing done and others, even less.

Everyone is allowed a break from blogging now and then...those times when the life in the real world takes over; but it's always wonderful to "see" a familiar face; a friend return to the blogging fold. :)

Just take things easier...don't push yourself too hard. Enjoy the family when they visit. I hope those areas in California and elsewhere that need rain desperately get it soon. Drought is heartbreaking.

Lovely to see you back again! I've been a bit absent myself the past months. I suspect the added responsibility of having my grandson here has rather depleted me of blogging inspiration nevermind energy! I expect you will enjoy mightily the influx of dear family from California. I know I am looking forward to the return to the UK of my youngest son who has been away from the UK now for 2 years. And I so agree about how great it feels to click on "publish"!

It is good to see and read you back again in Blogland. We have missed your cheery voice and your quirky take on things. So glad that you are well.

And what a lovely day you look to have had as your Mother's Day gift. You both look to be in fine spirits. We only hope that you could find another bench to have a nap on as well your husband. His pink top is fabulous!

How wonderful it will be when your California crew arrive. It must be hard to be separated but lovely when you all get together. Fun lies ahead!

As you know, being surrounded by the beautiful things in nature replenishes the spirit and fills you with joy. I do hope that some day you publish some pictures of the gardens you once had, as I know that they must have been magnificent.

Good to see you back, Arleen. We all need a rest from something every so often. I'm happy you decided to hire help with the garden. It gets to be that time of life. Wish I could convince my husband of that! Hope you have wonderful weather and a great time when you family comes to visit!!

I'm glad you accepted getting help rather than being found slumped over the mulch pile. I don't think there's anything wrong with getting older and doing less. That's why you have a lot more $ than when you were young. I always pay people to do stuff if I can. Hubby fights it all the way - but he's just a cheapskate! lol I hope your daughter's visit is delightful, and I just love the new banner. I don't know where it is, but I'd love to go there.

Sounds like you've got a case of those miserable mulligrubs that Delores was talking about. Good thing your family is coming soon; it's darned near impossible for those feeling-low days to linger when grandkids are around.

My in-laws took me to Longwood Gardens in '69 when Smarticus was in Vietnam. (Bless their hearts, they considered it their profound duty to keep me entertained every weekend.) It was beautiful then' I'm glad to hear that it still is.

How great to have you back. I never asked about you because you left so many comments on my blog. I appreciated all of them very much. I love your new header photo. Is that your garden? Living here in CA one almost forgets what a good rain feels and smells like. Enjoy or family's visit.

While I was gone from writing, I still wanted to check in on all those people I have met, appreciate and care about on Blogger. I know how important comments are, especially when so many of you participated in the A to Z challenge.

I think you have a wonderful perspective on life, enjoy your family from California, thank you so much for visiting me today and you are so right, men love all manner of cows, lol steak or leather, that was the best thing I read all day,

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My Story, as of now

It's been six years now since I retired and you would think I would be through the "adjustment period". Some days I am, and others I am not. I like to think I have reinvented myself, however, rust keeps appearing around the edges. Aging is a surprise to me as I thought I would always be young. But life moves on and as I plod forward, I find that there are many more adventures and joys to be had. They just may take a little more effort to find, but heck, I have the time.